Best of the Observer 2013

We’ve got a year’s worth of Texas Observers sitting on a table in our office, a year’s worth of stories of police brutality, an education system trying to find its way, harrowing healthcare experiences, and more.

We’ve covered a lot of ground this year, but before we head into 2014 we want to share a staff-curated list of the Observer’s 12 best stories published this year. Come back daily for new additions to our 2013 retrospective.

The Houston Police Department rarely punishes its officers for excessive force. Read the full story. This story is the second in a two-part investigation into lack of accountability within the Houston Police Department. Read the first part, “Crimes Unpunished.”

HPD’s discipline process, having evolved over decades of negotiations between the city and police union, now functions like a modern version of the notorious “code of silence.” Read the full story. This story is the first in a two-part investigation into lack of accountability within the Houston Police Department. Read the next part, “The Horror Everyday.”

I expected a tea party rally with heavy security. Or at least an information booth on outfitting your bunker for the coming race wars. But no. The NRA exhibits were nerdy good times for people who think guns are interesting. Read the full story.